Anyone need a drink right now? Because I know I certainly do (festive cocktails, please!). Cocktails are necessary to survive the holiday season. It’s a fact. It’s science. Google it.
But you don’t just want to drink, you want to get into the holiday spirit, too, right? Okay, maybe you just want to drink, but it’s more fun (and so is holiday-planning) when you get a little festive, and there are better ways to do that than playing Christmas music eight weeks too early.
So put that Mariah Carey Merry Christmas album away until at least December 1. We’ve got the answer that will give you a buzz and a bit of holiday cheer. All you have to do is upgrade your typical martini or margarita or cheapest-vodka-you-can-find drink with some holiday flavor. These delicious drinks are also perfect for holiday parties (or solo nights), so get your cheer on!
Vegan spiced apple margarita
This autumn-inspired drink will get you excited for the fall season.
What you’ll need: tequila, apple juice, fresh lime juice, agave simple syrup, cinnamon, coconut sugar, sea sat, lime wedge MORE: Food & drink bars perfect for any holiday parties
Dublintini martini
This recipe gives your favorite classic drink a festive twist. Have a couple and then try to say the drink’s name five times fast. Dublitini martini, Dublintini martini, Dublintini martini, Dublintini marti…
What you’ll need: Irish whiskey, sour apple schnapps, white cranberry juice, green apple slice, lemon twist
Pumpkin fizz
When you’re friends rave about their pumpkin spice lattes, you can brag about your pumpkin evening drink. This pumpkin fizz is so tasty and, even better, pretty easy to make.
What you’ll need: honey, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, lemon, bourbon, ginger beer
Apple Amaretto sour
You can drink amaretto by itself, but why do that when you can apple-spice it up?
What you’ll need: amaretto, chilled apple cider, fresh lemon juice, grated nutmeg, lemon, cinnamon stick MORE: Alcohol-infused Thanksgiving recipes
Apple cider with buttered rum
This apple cider with buttered rum recipe will keep you warm and give you a buzz. Kill two birds with one stone.
What you’ll need: apple cider, butter, apple, pear, ginger, cinnamon stick, ground allspice, ground cloves, brown sugar, dark rum, cinnamon stick
Holiday orange wassail punch
Wassail is a spicy, sweet hot mulled cider, but we’re upgrading it with a festive twist. Spice up your nights with this fruity holiday punch.
What you’ll need: orange juice, apple cider, cranberry juice cocktail, frozen lemonade concentrate, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground cloves, oranges
Caramel apple sangria
Honestly, sangria is our favorite drink any time of the year, and it’s even better with caramel and apples. Find the festive recipe here.
What you’ll need: sparkling apple cider, white wine, caramel syrup, apple ALSO TRY: Drinking games you have to play at your holiday parties
Cranberry wine Moscow mule
Moscow mules are delicious, but this recipe makes it even better with a cranberry wine flavor burst.
What you’ll need: vodka, cranberry sauce juice, lime juice, ginger beer, ice